Benefits

Media Center

Benefits to Neighbors

The planned restorations will help preserve the ballpark and its unique environment for future generations, helping the Cubs and Lakeview thrive together.

One of the most unique attributes of Wrigley Field is its home, nestled within a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. For years, Cubs baseball and Wrigley Field have enriched the Lakeview community by hosting millions of baseball fans each year and providing world-class and unique events. These activities have contributed to the energetic environment of the neighborhood, while delivering millions of dollars in economic activity.

The ballpark is in need of a revamp so it can continue to be a healthy economic driver for Chicago. Every team in the National League Central Division plays in a ballpark built since 2000 with public funds.

The Cubs are committed to being good neighbors and ensuring the plan protects neighborhood jobs and businesses, while enhancing the quality of life in the Lakeview community.

Restoring Wrigley Field will allow the Cubs to give back to the community and invest in Lakeview's future. The Cubs' commitment to the community includes:

Community infrastructure

The Cubs will pay $3.75 million over 10 years for community infrastructure-related projects. The projects will be identified by the Alderman and the Cubs.

Open-air plaza for family friendly activities

An open-air plaza will be developed outside the ballpark to be enjoyed by Cubs fans, visitors and families in the community year round. The goal is to create an attractive destination, and include several family activities and other community events on non-gamedays. This idea has been applauded by members of the community and is consistent with a long-term vision to enhance Lakeview.

Hotel development for increased tourism and business

The Ricketts family's plan is to develop a premium neighborhood boutique hotel, in partnership with Starwood, which would include 175 rooms, retail and food and beverage options for fans and the community throughout the year. The development would also include an office building at the corner of Clark and Waveland to house Cubs offices, conference meeting space and retail shops.

Parking and traffic improvements

As part of an ongoing commitment to ease vehicle traffic and reduce the number of cars near Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs operate a free remote parking lot during night and weekend games. The remote parking lot is located at 3900 N. Rockwell St., just east of the Chicago River immediately south of Irving Park Road. The lot has a capacity of 1,000 vehicles and will be secured by Cubs personnel. The parking service includes free shuttle transportation to and from Wrigley Field. Additional parking is available in the newly resurfaced parking lot on Grace Street which can accommodate up to 750 cars.

Another 200 spaces are available in the Cubs-owned parking lot on Eddy Street, and there will be 75 below-ground spaces in the new hotel.

In connection with the project, at the request of the City of Chicago, new stoplights will be installed on Clark Street to improve traffic flow.

Improving public safety and security

The Cubs will work with the Chicago Police Department and its special police detail unit to assign additional personnel in the community during and after Cubs games and concerts. The city and Cubs will work together with a goal of deterring inappropriate behavior.

Neighborhood protections

The Cubs will continue to ensure neighborhood protection activities before, during and after Cubs games and Wrigley Field events. Each year, the Cubs devote countless hours and invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to address traffic solutions, off-street parking, litter collection and other needs of the community. Our comprehensive report is available here. The Cubs:

Fund and operate a remote parking lot for all night and weekend games to reduce traffic congestion around Wrigley Field.

Donate radio and television airtime to promote the use of public transportation to and from Wrigley Field. This includes the promotion of Metra trains, PACE shuttle buses, CTA buses and trains and other public transportation options.

Empty public trash cans from Belmont Avenue to Montrose Avenue and Halsted Street to Damen Avenue, throughout the season including certain weekends when the team is out of town. Recycling efforts have been increased around the ballpark.

Lakeview business benefits

The Cubs are excited by the opportunity to restore Wrigley Field and secure its continued future contributions to the Lakeview economy. The Cubs have a direct impact on more than 80 local bars, restaurants and shops in the immediate Lakeview neighborhood. Enhancing and preserving the excitement of Wrigley Field will benefit the local economy and guarantee Lakeview continues to thrive.

The Cubs will schedule work on Wrigley Field to occur in the offseason to keep Cubs baseball in the Friendly Confines, which will protect 7,000 jobs and neighborhood businesses. The additional commercial activity generated by a restored Wrigley Field will flow into the neighborhood and help local business establishments. Work on portions of the project outside the ballpark may continue during the baseball season.

For more information on the Cubs community involvement and Cubs Charities, please visit the Community page.